Party Declines to Endorse in Primary

The party has concerns about Bill O’Neill’s potential to hurt down-ballot Democrats.

The state Democratic executive committee declined to endorse a primary candidate for governor. (Cleveland.com) It endorsed in other primaries for constitutional statewide offices. (Twitter)

OUCH. Former state Supreme Court Justice Bill O’Neill’s (D) candidacy “could hurt down-ballot Democratic candidates should he become the party’s nominee in the race,” the state Democratic party leadership determined. “However, the party has decided to allow O’Neill … to participate in gubernatorial forums and debates since he has held statewide office and has been endorsed by the party in the past.” (Cleveland.com)

SONNY’S DISPOSITION. State Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine, the son of state Attorney General Mike DeWine (R), “recused himself from hearing” physician Jon Heavey’s (D) “lawsuit challenging his disqualification from the ballot.” (Columbus Dispatch)